Shoulder structures and strength in competitive preadolescent swimmers: A longitudinal ultrasonographic study

BACKGROUND

Repetitive shoulder movements during competitive training may cause changes in the strength of periarticular shoulder structures in preadolescent swimmers.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively determine the effects of training on shoulder periarticular structures and muscle strength in preadolescent swimmers.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community-based natatorium.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four preadolescent swimmers aged 10-12 years.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measurements were repeated in three periods as preseason, midseason, and postseason. Ultrasonographic measurements (supraspinatus tendon thickness, humeral head cartilage thickness, deltoid muscle thickness, and acromiohumeral distance) were performed using a portable device and a linear probe. Shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, internal and external rotation) and back (serratus anterior, lower, and middle trapezius) isometric muscle strength were measured with a handheld dynamometer.

RESULTS

Supraspinatus tendon thickness and acromiohumeral distance were similar in all periods (all p > .05); however, deltoid muscle and humeral head cartilage thicknesses increased throughout the season (p = .002, p = .008, respectively). Likewise, whereas shoulder muscle strength increased (all p < .05), back muscle strength was similar in all periods (all p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In preadolescent swimmers, acromiohumeral distance and supraspinatus tendon thickness seem to not change; but humeral head cartilage and deltoid muscle thicknesses as well as shoulder muscle strength increase throughout the season.

Development of Multidimensional Nil Hallux Valgus Scale: a reliability and validity study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a disease-specific multidimensional hallux valgus (HV) scale, as well as to establish the validity and reliability thereof.

METHODS

The 14-item Multidimensional Nil Hallux Valgus Scale was developed. The scale has a score range of 0-60, with higher score indicating increased HV symptoms, complaints, and functional disorder. Among the patients referred to our clinic with HV diagnosis based on anterior-posterior non-weight-bearing radiography of the affected foot, 129 feet of 66 patients (63 bilateral, 3 unilateral) were included in the study. In clinical evaluations of these HV patients, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Joints Scale (AOFAS-MTF-IF), Manchester Scale, and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used to test the validity and reliability of the new scale.

RESULTS

From factor analyses, it was observed that the items clustered in 5 factors, which explained 73.2% of the variance. Floor and ceiling effects were observed to be within normal limits (floor effect: 3.1%; ceiling effect: 0.8%). The Cronbach's alpha level related with the overall internal consistency of the scale was estimated as 83.3%, and the Cronbach's alpha for the subheadings of the scale varied between 33.9% and 74.2%. High correlation was observed regarding test-retest reliability of the scale.

CONCLUSION

This newly developed scale allows for the holistic evaluation of HV including the condition-specific parameters and is a valid and reliable scale that can be conveniently used by health care professionals.

Effects of hallux valgus deformity on rear foot position, pain, function, and quality of life of women

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between hallux valgus (HV) deformity and the position of rearfoot joints, and its effects on the quality of life, pain, and related functional status of women with bilateral hallux valgus (HV). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 27 right-dominant women. Demographic data, HV angle, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing subtalar pronation (SP), and navicular height were recorded. Visual Analog Pain Scale, Foot Function Index (FFI), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) first metatarsophalangeal- interphalangeal (MTP-IP) and AOFAS Mid foot (MF) Scales, and SF-36 were also used. [Results] HV angle, weight-bearing SP, and pain intensity of the left foot were higher. HV angle of left foot was correlated with all sub-scales of FFI, the pain parameter of AOFAS MTP-IP, and pain and total scores of AOFAS-MF Scale. HV angle of the left foot correlated with physical role, pain, and social function sub-domains of SF-36. Right HV angles were correlated with right foot pain and non-weight-bearing SP. [Conclusion] Increasing HV angle and pathomechanical changes in the rear foot are correlated, resulting in increasing pain and thus decreasing functional status as well as decreasing quality of life. Although all the participants were right-dominant, their left foot problems were more prominent.

Elevated micronucleus frequencies in patients with pleural plaque secondary to environmental exposure to asbestos

We examined genotoxic damage and frequency of micronuclei in people living in the Bekilli and Suller districts of Denizli city who had been diagnosed with pleural plaques as a result of environmental exposure to asbestos. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 30 volunteer patients 59-86 years old who did not smoke or consume alcohol and who were diagnosed with calcified pleural plaques. We also examined 30 healthy controls with similar features, who also lived in downtown Denizli. Micronucleus frequencies, nuclear division index, and mitotic index were determined. Micronucleus frequency, nuclear division index, and mitotic index were significantly higher in patients who had been exposed to asbestos than in the controls. We conclude that asbestos had a genotoxic effect, resulting in an increase in micronucleus frequency and other changes in patients diagnosed with pleural plaques secondary to asbestos exposure.